House sitting again and the joys of farming

We arrived here 5 days ago and it has been an intense learning curve. Water systems involving pumps, dams, sprinkling systems to be shown. Power systems with cords and connections going in every direction. Discussions of what to do in the event of storms, fire and floods. (Keeping fingers firmly crossed)

Four cows needing attention, 18 sheep of various ages and that included a ewe that had twins only a few days before we arrived. Two dogs and an ancient but lovable cat.

A large vegetable garden to be cared for (and eaten!!!) and acres of native flowers to enjoy.

I am in seventh heaven I didn’t realise how much I missed the farm life. During the 5 days I followed around taking copious notes.

This morning at 4am it was D day. We went with Kim and Deidre to the airport and waved farewell to them as they flew off to America. Then brought their car back home. Arriving back at 6-30am we were ready for breakfast.

Now we are on our own (well not counting all the livestock!!!)…

First to check the ewe and lambs, aren’t they adorable…

Then to count the other sheep, one’s missing. I walk round the paddock and way over on the other side, near the dam, I find her. But she was not alone. Standing beside her was a fine, healthy baby and she was very protective of him.

With Jack’s help I separate her from the others and put her in the pen with the other mother.

Here he is only a few hours old. What a lovely start to our 4 week house sit.

I check them a couple of hours later and he has had a feed and is looking very contented.

Meanwhile Seldon the border collie watches over them.

Being here is certainly an inspiration for me, going back to my farming roots.

I also think it is a transition for me during the next 4 weeks to be back on the land.

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Now it is 3-30pm and time to do the afternoon rounds of animals, gardens and dog and cat feeding.

You’re revelling in it all I can tell Pauline 🙂 A big responsibility this particular house sit but it seems like you and Jack have it all under control . Aw look at you with an armful of lamb 😉
Seldon is a charmer . Loads more pictures to come by the sound of it … veggies and flowers … and the *ancient lovable old cat 😀

No we will still be here for Christmas but are expecting a son and Korean wife with her Parents (who are visiting Australia for the first time, and only staying 2 weeks…) will be coming to stay for a few days.

Gosh PP, you are going to be busy, not much time for blogging or even exploring by the sounds of it! You are in your element though. I wouldn’t have a clue about looking after farm animals, but you are obviously competent enough. And how lovely to have those babies to enjoy.

How great for the farmers having you there while they are off for a month of travel. We would like to get chickens, but cannot figure out how to combine them with travel! Enjoy your time being a farmer girl again. The picture of the twins is gorgeous. They look like professional lamb models.

No chooks here and that is the reason they decided not to have them. Though I do think they are easier to leave than cats and dogs. The twins are getting very frisky and I think we will end up with hundreds of photos of them

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60 something female, ( now 70 I have been doing this blog 3 years) fit and active, loves travel, reading, walking. Born in Yorkshire, UK. Moved to New Zealand, love the country. Became a "Kiwi" lived there 37 years, son and daughter still live there. Moved to Australia because I now live with and love an Australian that I met in NZ and am now an Aussie citizen.